International collaboration on next gen nuclear energy systems

Australia has been officially welcomed to the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) Framework Agreement, a partnership through which we will contribute to international work on the development of future nuclear energy technologies.

GIF is a cooperative international endeavor to develop and design the next generation of nuclear energy systems, which would be a potential game-changer in global energy creation.

As the 14th Member of the GIF, Australian researchers will work with countries including Canada, France, Japan, China, South Korea, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland and the United States. Members of GIF work collaboratively to develop Generation IV designs of nuclear energy systems, which will:

Use fuel more efficiently

Produce less waste

Be more economically competitive; and

Meet stringent standards in relation to safety and non-proliferation.

GIF research is focused on six reactor designs that will deliver safe, secure, sustainable, competitive and versatile nuclear technology in the future.

The CEO of ANSTO, Dr Adi Paterson, is in France at a ceremony to officially welcome Australia, at the OECD Château. ANSTO, on behalf of Australia, signed the GIF Charter in June 2018, and the event marked Australia’s accession to the Framework Agreement.

This will enable Australia to become actively engaged in research and development projects related to Generation IV systems, particularly in relation to advanced materials.

“Australia has no nuclear power program, but we do have significant local expertise through which we can lend assistance in next-generation research, which is what this partnership is about,” said Dr Paterson.

“This Agreement will enable Australia to contribute to an international group focused on peaceful use of nuclear technology, and the international energy systems of the future.

“Our participation in GIF is an affirmation of Australia’s exemplary research capabilities and STEM industry, strengthened by ANSTO’s expertise and highly developed nuclear science infrastructure.

“On Australia’s behalf, ANSTO will leverage our world-class capabilities, particularly in relation to the development of advanced materials with applications in extreme industrial environments, and of nuclear safety cases.

“Australia’s role on this global stage will see us sharing our expertise in nuclear research and technology, and will further our non-proliferation and nuclear safety objectives.

“It will also foster new avenues and opportunities to engage with global information sharing through this long-term research project.”